Business expansions, community development project win state approval to invest, add jobs in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of two business expansions and one community development project that will generate $26.6 million in total investment and create 235 jobs around the state.

“Today’s MSF approvals offer further evidence of our commitment to revitalizing Michigan’s communities and helping growing companies generate new job opportunities,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “We’re pleased to support these projects, which will lead to greater economic growth for our communities and our residents.”

Pro Services Inc., founded in 1987 in Portage, specializes in providing skilled trades and maintenance technicians to a broad range of industries. Pro Services offers project design, project estimating, project management, welders, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, plumbers, iron workers, fire protection, millwrights, and also provides facilities maintenance/production equipment management solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential customers. The company plans to construct a new Center of Excellence and corporate headquarters in Portage. The Pro Services Center of Excellence will encompass a state of the art training facility, geared to train and develop maintenance technicians, along with world class skilled trades prefabrication/pre-assembly capabilities. With this Center of Excellence initiative the company will fortify its already leading position in providing skilled trades projects/maintenance support, degreed maintenance technicians, prefabrication and assembly, as well as machine/pump repair services. The project will generate a total capital investment of $3.9 million and create 175 jobs, resulting in an $875,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The city of Portage has offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement or a Brownfield Redevelopment incentive. For information on employment opportunities with Pro Services, visit www.prosatwork.com.

The city of Morenci has received $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for job training needed for the KAMCO Industries, Inc. expansion project. The company, established in 1987 in West Unity, Ohio, is wholly owned by Kumi Kasei of Japan. The company specializes in injection molding for the auto industry and supplies customers throughout the United States. The company plans to acquire and move into a building in Morenci that will allow room for future expansion, generating $22.7 million in private investment and creating 60 jobs. The site in Michigan was chosen over other locations in the Midwest. The City of Morenci is expected to contribute a property tax abatement valued at $257,000. Individuals interested in career opportunities with KAMCO should visit http://www.kumi-na.com/jobs/.

“We are grateful to welcome KAMCO to Morenci. I know that the partnership between KAMCO and the City of Morenci will be a lasting partnership that is beneficial for both sides. It is exciting to see the investment that they are making in our community,” said Morenci Mayor William Foster. “We thank Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Strategic Fund for giving Morenci this great opportunity and for bringing jobs back to Michigan.”

The County of Keweenaw has been awarded $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Keweenaw County Mountain Lodge Study Project. The Keweenaw County Mountain Lodge, located in Allouez Township, is currently owned by Keweenaw County and has been in operation for 75 years. The lodge offers multiple recreational options, including a nine-hole golf course, water sports, dining and lodging. The Lodge is the largest employer in the county but is currently not operating at capacity since it is only open half the year. The project is a best use study to consider possible change in ownership or operations, expecting to result in future job creation. The county will contribute $5,000 toward the project and also has received a $25,000 federal Economic Development Administration grant. The total project cost is $50,000.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit MichiganBusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org. Michigan residents interested in seeking employment with any of Michigan’s growing companies should check mitalent.org, where more than 94,000 jobs are currently available in a variety of industries.